Congestive Heart Failure in the Elderly

Congestive heart failure in the elderly refers to the heart’s physical state of slowing down and inability to beat as efficiently as it once did. Congestive heart failure may lead to a heart attack, shortness of breath, chest pain or a stroke. Living with congestive heart failure requires a special understanding of the body’s physical needs.

Regular physical activity is hampered by congestive heart failure.

About Congestive Heart Failure in the Elderly

According to the American Medical Association, heart failure is a global term. When cardiac output is reduced or low, this is referred to as congestive heart failure. The reduced output can decrease the amount of oxygenated blood pumped throughout the body, particularly to the brain. The reduced cardiac function can make physical activity challenging, cause dizzy spells (especially when someone stands up for too long) and lead to falls and other injuries.

The Encyclopedia of Aging and Elderly found that three to four million Americans suffer from congestive heart failure (CHF). In the elderly, those numbers raise to 45 out of every 1,000 Americans. Treatment includes identifying what, if any health condition, affects the heart and causing it to slow down.

Chronic CHF therapy includes:

• Limiting or removing salt from the diet
• Use diuretics
• Lifestyle and dietary changes
• Moderate activity
• Potassium supplements as recommended by a physician

When CHF becomes acute, treatment involves oxygen, prescription heart medication and bed rest. People who suffer from CHF are far more susceptible to infections which can aggravate their heart condition. Water weight must be managed and monitored at all times.

Causes of Congestive Heart Failure

CHF may be caused by a number of different medical conditions including, but not limited to:

• Arteriosclerosis – A hardening of the artery walls
• Myocardial infarction – Blood supply to or from the heart is interrupted
• Myocarditis – Inflammation of the heart muscle
• Ventricular Aneurysm – A leaking hole in the heart
• Mitral or Aortic Regurgitation – Blood flow is reversed in the heart
• Atrial or ventricular septal defects – Defects in the muscle or valves
• Hypertension – High blood pressure
• Percarditis – Inflammation of the sac around the heart
• Hyperthyroidism – Overproduction of thyroid produced hormones

Because the conditions behind CHF vary so much, the actual symptoms associated with CHF may also vary. The more acute the underlying condition, the more severe the congestive heart failure may be.

Elderly patients should maintain regular appointments with their physician and follow their instructions with regard to dietary and prescription needs. Regular health checks, healthy ohysical activity and eating a low-cholesterol diet can help reduce the chance of developing these types of conditions. Remember, CHF is the result of another health condition.

CHF should always be treated by a physician. Patients should never self-diagnose. In the event that you or someone you love suspects a cardiac problem or congestive heart failure, see a doctor. Congestive heart failure can lead to heart failure and death if left untreated.

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